SOSJ: Have your Say

In this episode, JPO intern and ACU student, Harrison, explores the growing phenomenon of eco-anxiety; the deep sense of worry, grief, and frustration people feel in response to climate change. Drawing on recent research, he highlights how this emotional strain is particularly affecting young people, Indigenous communities, and those closely connected to the land.Harrison unpacks what eco-anxiety really means, how it impacts daily wellbeing, and why it’s more than just a passing trend, it is a legitimate mental health and moral concern. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, the episode offers a faith-based perspective on caring for creation, transforming fear into compassion, and finding hope through community, solidarity, and collective action.Listeners are invited to reflect on how faith, stewardship, and everyday choices can help channel climate anxiety into purposeful change and resilience.Read more: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/the-invisible-cost-of-climate-change/

In this episode, ACU Business student Cameron McGinnis tackles one of Australia’s most divisive energy debates: nuclear power versus renewables. As the nation races to transition away from fossil fuels, Cameron explores which path offers the most sustainable, affordable, and ethical future for Australians.Drawing on real-world data, cost comparisons, and global case studies, Cameron breaks down the economic and environmental challenges of nuclear energy. From exorbitant construction costs and waste disposal to its dependence on massive water resources. He contrasts these with the rapid scalability and affordability of renewable technologies like wind and solar, which are already transforming Australia’s energy landscape.Beyond the numbers, this episode asks listeners to consider the moral dimensions of energy policy: how our choices impact ecosystems, communities, and the urgency of addressing climate change. Cameron makes a clear case: if we are serious about a sustainable future, renewables, not nuclear, are Australia’s best hope.Read more here: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/renewables-vs-nuclear-a-comparison/

In this episode, Law student, Lani Crichton, takes on the urgent issue of Indigenous over-representation in Australia’s criminal justice system. With a focus on children and young people, the discussion explores how low ages of criminal responsibility, systemic racism, disrupted education, and entrenched socioeconomic disadvantage contribute to a cycle of recidivism that continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.From the school-to-prison pipeline to the failures of government campaigns like Closing the Gap, Lani unpacks how colonial legacies and modern policies have maintained cycles of incarceration. She highlights alternatives such as justice reinvestment initiatives in Bourke, international human rights standards, and the need to embed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into Australian law.The episode ultimately calls for meaningful consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, reminding listeners that lasting change cannot be imposed from the outside. Instead, it must come from listening, supporting, and empowering Indigenous voices to lead justice reform.Read more here: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/the-overrepresentation-of-indigenous-australians-in-the-criminal-justice-system/

In this episode of SOSJ: Have your Say, JPO Interns and ACU students Viet Dao and Samantha Li break down the effects of foreign investment on housing prices in Australia. They discuss whether or not there is a negative effect, how foreign investment may be benefiting the Australian economy, a critique of the current regulations, challenges associated with foreign investment, and a future outlook for Australia.

On this week's episode of SOSJ: Have your say, UTS student Harrison Slayter-McCabe delves into climate change policy. But, more specifically, exploring the recent statements by Peter Dutton regarding Australia's climate targets under the Paris Agreement. Harrison breaks down what the Paris Agreement entails, examines Dutton's proposed changes, and looks at the reactions from various political parties and environmental organisations. Harrison later discusses the potential implications of these changes and how they might shape Australia's future climate policy.

In this week's episode of SOSJ: Have Your Say, ACU student and JPO intern Aden Hennings discusses Australia's rental housing crisis and the severity of the issue. With one-third of the population being renters, the rental housing crisis is one of the prominent issues affecting Australians at the crux of Australian politics, economics, and social well-being.

This week's episode of SOSJ: Have Your Say is hosted by Oscar Davis, an ACU Commerce student, NDIS worker, and JPO intern. In this episode, Oscar delves into the issues within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), specifically the lack of funds for people who need them, the cancellation of funds, and the scale of fraud within the organisation. Oscar later offers a proposal that suggests Australian lawmakers change the way funding is sent out and change how and why funding may be reduced or cancelled.

In this week's episode, Joshua Said, JPO Intern and ACU Student, discusses the dire need for a shift in perspective when it comes to government allocation of civilian funding, with reference to the AUKUS Submarine Deal.A proposal to revamp the XPT service along the east coastline of Australia is articulated as a sustainable alternative trajectory for funding with mutual benefits.

In this week's episode, Sarah Khosho, JPO Intern and ACU student, discusses the impact of the cost of living on Australians, including the financial stresses and lifestyle changes affected by inflation. Australians are urged to beat the rising cost of living and access the support they require to manage financial hardship.To listen to Cailey's podcast ->https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dMtozcOaiqWGFiF0Hw0CA?si=7be3119c5d5e47c1

JPO Intern and Business student, Isaac Zammit, discusses in this week's episode the Intergenerational Connection between Young and Old and how such engagement acts as the cornerstone of our communities and the thread that weaves through every meaningful interaction. Isaac works as a Recreational Activities Officer for an Aged Care Home specialising in dementia residents and recollects on the kind of wisdom that doesn't just speak but listens. Isaac goes on to nudge younger people in the direction of supporting our elders by taking the first step in building these relationships and friendships, with a special mention of the Curious Grace drop-in centre model.

JPO Intern and Business student Sarah Khosho is back this week to discuss the importance of the Easter season. Sarah discusses what this end of the Lenten seasons means for her as a young Christian as well as accounting the resurrection of Jesus under the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

JPO intern Isaac Zammit is back to redefine security: The case for diplomatic engagement over military expansion in Australia. Isaac delves into The notion of a ‘just war’ and Pope Francis’ unequivocal stance against war as a means to achieve peace. The case for Australia to realign its defence strategy would not only align with the Catholic teaching regarding the rejection of war but also contribute to a more stable economy and peaceful international order. Australia has the opportunity to champion a more peaceful, stable, and just world.

In this week's episode, Sarah Khosho, JPO Intern and ACU student, sheds light on the importance of the Lent season. Sarah emphasises that Lent is a time to rekindle our spiritual connection with God and how it presents us with an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with Him. She also goes on to discuss the significance of fasting, self-control, and showing compassion for others during Lent.This Lenten season, walk with love and rejoice through prayer and fasting.

Isaac Zammit is back to discuss the impact of social media on young minds. Though social media has revolutionised the way we interact, it comes with several downsides. Specifically, its highly addictive nature. In this episode, Isaac delves into the brain's reward chemicals and their crucial role in motivating and Heightening online engagement, later explaining how social media imitates dopamine-driven reward-seeking behaviours. With 97% of teens using social media, understanding the mechanisms behind social media’s addictive qualities is paramount.Read more here: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/screen-tied-addressing-the-impact-of-social-media-on-young-minds/

This week on SOSJ: Have you say, JPO intern and Business student, Hugh Neill, discusses NSW's current housing challenges and the JPO's pre-budget submission. In this episode, Hugh goes on to detail the viennese solution when it comes to social/public housing, what housing in Australia means for the younger generations if this problem is not addressed, and how Australia would greatly benefit from adapting to the Vienna Model.To read more, please visit our pre-budget housing submission: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Housing-its-time-for-the-Vienna-model-NSW-Pre-Budget-submission.pdf

To debut the first ever episode of Speaking of Social Justice: Have your Say, JPO intern and Human Resources student, Isaac Zammit, discusses Australia's new work-life balance law. While many are left cheering over no longer been obligated to respond to pesky work emails outside of working hours, some are left scratching their heads on how to manage this new balance when urgent matters hit their desk and how this might influence worker-management conflict.